Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift may have gotten her start on the big screen with a role in the popular Disney film 2016’s “The Night Before Christmas”. Although the film flopped at the box office, its soundtrack became a holiday classic. After her turn as Nancy in the Disney classic, Taylor went on to become one of the biggest names in music. She’s now a vocal supporter of the #metoo movement and uses her influence to speak out against sexual harassment and abuse._p>
While Taylor’s trajectory was set on course to the top, another former Disney darling took a more unusual route to celebrity. In 2009, Robert Pattinson landed a role as the romantic lead in one of the most popular Disney films of all time, “Prince Edward vs. Victor Victors”. The film’s premise involves a rivalry between two princes who are convinced that their betrothed’s unborn child will be detrimental to the kingdom. To prove their point, the two feuding royals challenge the baby’s father to a fight, ultimately resulting in the death of their young son. Robert played the part of Victor with gusto and became a firm favourite with audiences, making the film one of the most profitable of all time. (It currently has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
Robert’s career took off as he became known for playing brooding protagonists in films like “The Lost Sheep” and “Good Time”, the latter of which won the Academy Award for Best Actress. He also earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role as Harvey Dent in “The Dark Knight”. In 2019, he landed a role in the first feature film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s popular play “Coriolanus”, portraying the titular character. (The film also stars Antonio Banderas and Maika Monroe).
While Robert’s filmography is filled with memorable performances, it’s arguable that his biggest achievement is maintaining a relationship with his fiancée, actress Kate Winslet. The two became lovers after being paired up in the 2003 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. They eventually married in 2015 and have starred in several critically acclaimed films together, most notably 2005’s Golden Globe-winning “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. The acclaimed British director Penny Marshall died before she could see her favourite couple’s matching wedding bands._p>
Wedding Bells
On November 25, 2019, Robert and Kate were married in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy. The newlyweds held a small reception for family and friends two days later. The ceremony was presided over by a rabbi and attended by 200 guests, including some of the most famous faces in Hollywood.
The reception, which took place at the Osteria Locanda La Spiga, was hosted by the pair’s friends, including Reese Witherspoon and Emily Blunt. The menu consisted of canapés, wedding cake, and an optician-assisted eye exam for the newlyweds.
New Family
After years of dating and eventually marrying one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, Robert has finally found happiness and contentment. Although he is still best known for his on-screen presence and has had a few acting roles in the past few years, he has shifted to a more mellow and relaxed approach to life. He rarely gives interviews and does not promote films as much as he used to. (He is however, still frequently seen at premieres across the globe).
The British actor is a keen golfer and has had a lifelong love of fishing. He continues to spend his time between London and Venice pursuing his passion for fishing and spending time with his family. According to his rep, the 52-year-old is currently engaged in discussions with Hollywood studios about taking on more substantial roles in the near future. (His representatives say he is interested in pursuing more character-driven, dramatic roles).
The former Disney star has yet to give birth to their first child but is already a mother to a two-year-old golden retriever, Madeline (named after the literary character of the same name). She gave birth to the couple’s first child, a son named Jakob, in 2011. (The family also has a daughter, Eve, who was born in 2013).
While it may be a while before the couple start expanding their family, they are already grandparents to a seven-year-old girl named Matilda and are very involved in her life. Robert frequently posts throwback photos of himself with his late father, stepmother, and three sisters on his Instagram. He also keeps in close contact with his family back in Britain, often travelling to London for weekend visits.
Ode To Jack
“Coriolanus” marks the third collaboration between Robert and director Neri first worked together on the 2003 film adaptation of “The Cherry Orchard”. The film tells the story of a Roman general who, after being disowned by his family, finds reconciliation with them after he agrees to marry his childhood sweetheart. (The couple later have a child together).
The film was a huge hit in Italy, France, and Germany and garnered critical acclaim, winning the Jury Prize at the 2004 Strasbourg International Film Festival. It also earned a nomination for the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The French-language version, titled “J’ai Regret Ses Actes”, won the award and became Netflix’s first-ever Grand Prix feature film. (The film was also nominated for nine Césars, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Murielle Boché).
After a four-year wait, the sequel “Cherry Orchard” was released in 2019 and premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film takes place three years after the first, with the now-widowed Coriolanus returning to his family’s country estate to live with his son. While trying to rebuild his life and career, Coriolanus finds that his experience with women is more complicated than he imagined. (His late father’s disapproving sister, Volumnia, is played by the formidable Marion Cotillard).
Widower
In April 2019, news broke that Robert had separated from Winslet after 15 years of marriage. It was later confirmed by their reps that they were in the process of seeking joint custody of their three children, primarily due to their young sons’ busy school schedules. (Their daughter, Matilda, attends a private school in London). According to a statement from Winslet’s rep, the couple were “devastated” by the decision but “feel blessed to have shared these 14 wonderful years with each other”. The pair have been busy trying to maintain a familial relationship, seeing one another for lunch and dinners. (They also spend a lot of time with their sons via phone calls and video chats).
Focus On Acting
Instead of following the usual path of a multi-hyphenate producer/director/actor, Robert started his career in front of the camera before focusing solely on acting. He has a strong comedic sensibility, which he has showcased in several films, including “Good Time” and “The House of Gucci”. More recently, he’s revealed a dramatic side to his acting, landing roles in prominent films such as Terrence Malick’s “The New World” and Luc Besson’s historical epic “La grande escapada”. (His comedic roles have also earned him a Golden Globe nomination).
Luc Besson
In 2019, French filmmaker Luc Besson released his long-awaited English-language debut, “The Family Friend”, about a group of friends who are forced to reexamine their lives after a tragedy strikes. (The movie also stars Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Liam Neeson). While Besson is best known for directing the “Le Grand Prix” and “Lucy” franchises, he ventured into English-language film production after nearly 25 years in the business. (The acclaimed director is also the brother of French President Emmanuel Macron).
The Weinstein Company’s Tarja Halmi was so taken by Besson’s pitch for “The Family Friend” that she immediately bought the film rights. Besson will write, direct, and produce the English-language version of “The Family Friend”, which will be based on a true story and is expected to hit Netflix soon.